How to Manage Iterations of the Provider Schedule

Using a powerful schedule generation tool is an iterative process. This means you might run the generator multiple times before the schedule is ready to be published. Wait...I thought the generation was done in minutes?!

On the one hand, yes, each iteration of the schedule is generated in 20 minutes on average. But, the system must run multiple iterations to become fully optimized. Alongside each iteration of the schedule, the generator outputs important data points. This report shows you stats for individual providers and shifts with a list of rule violations that occurred during schedule generation.

This output allows you to adjust rules, weights, or requests for the period easily. From here, you run the generator again. Each time you make adjustments, the schedule becomes even more optimized and will require fewer changes over time.

Will multiple iterations of the schedule confuse the provider teams? No, because users do not receive the multiple schedule iterations. Once you have adjusted the schedule and it is fully optimized, you then choose to publish the schedule making it viewable to users. If any changes are made after it is published, the schedule will automatically be updated across the board in real time.

Just as the schedule generator requires fewer changes over time, you will be able to make revisions faster over time. As you onboard new providers, you’ll recognize quickly whether or not their preferences will require a custom rule.

If your hospital or clinic is transitioning from manual scheduling to automated schedule generation, it’s important to keep pushing. The more schedules you generate, the fewer iterations you’ll need to manage. Allowing the generator to do the heavy lifting of building schedules is much less tedious and time-consuming than manual, paper-based scheduling. Plus, there are fewer chances to make errors.

Learn more about Shift Admin’s powerful schedule generator in a free, live demo. Book yours today.